PERFORMANCE STANDARD FOR

PEAK SHAVING CONTROLS

EGSA 100P, 1995a

1995. All Rights Reserved.

Electrical Generating Systems Association
1650 S. Dixie Highway, 5th Floor
Boca Raton, Florida 33432
Phone: (561) 750-5575 Fax: (561) 750-5316

EGSA 100P-1995a

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION

PAGE

1.

SCOPE................................................................................................................................................................2

2.

REFERENCE STANDARDS...........................................................................................................................2

3.

DEFINITIONS...................................................................................................................................................2

4.

RATINGS...........................................................................................................................................................3

5.

CLASSIFICATION...........................................................................................................................................3
5.1
5.2

Load Transfer...........................................................................................................................................3
Parallel Operation....................................................................................................................................3

6.

APPLICATION DATA......................................................................................................................................3

7.

MINIMUM PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................................4

8.

OPTIONAL PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS.....................................................................................4

9.

INSTALLATION...............................................................................................................................................4

10. MAINTENANCE..............................................................................................................................................4

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EGSA 100P 1995-A

ENGINE DRIVEN GENERATOR SETS
PERFORMANCE STANDARD
1. SCOPE
This standard is set forth to define methods of control necessary for the utilization of on-site generator sets
for peak shaving (utility peak demand reduction).

2. REFERENCE STANDARDS
EGSA-101S
EGSA-100M
EGSA-100S
EGSA-100D

Standard Specifications for Standby Engine Driven

Generator Sets
Standards for Multiple Generator Sets
Performance Standards for Transfer Switches for Use
with Engine Generator Sets
Performance Standard for Generator Overcurrent
Protection 600 Volts and Below

3. DEFINITIONS
Demand Charge. This charge is assessed in direct proportion to the peak kilowatt demand in dollars per
KW. The billing demand may be a function of any one or more of the following:
(a.)

Maximum average kilowatt demand over a given demand interval (typically 15 minutes).

(b.)

Maximum kilowatt demand for a given demand interval, ratcheted for the next 12 month
period. (The ratchet term or "clause" establishes a new peak demand for 12 months each
time the previous peak is exceeded).

(c.)

Maximum kilowatt demand for a given demand interval established during certain peak
months (usually the summer months in warm climates).

(d.)

Combination of (a.) or a percentage of (b.) or (c.), which ever is greatest.

(e.)

Either the maximum demand during the daily on-peak period (typically 8:00 AM to 8:00
PM) or a percentage of the maximum demand during the off-peak periods, whichever is
greater.

Energy Charge. This charge is assessed in cents per kilowatt hour of electrical energy consumed.
Fuel Adjustment Charge. This charge is based on the difference in the cost of fuel to generate KWH
consumed between the cost at issuance of the applied rate schedule and the present cost of fuel. This cost is
divided across total utility KWH supplied and applied to all rate classifications.
Interruptible Rate. A favorable rate offered by utility companies to customers with on-site power.
Customers are notified to utilize their on-site generators during peak demand periods.
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Load Factor. A measure of the efficiency of use of the energy consumed in a billing period. Determined
by:
KWH consumed in billing period
Load Factor = ----------------------------------------------------------Billing KW demand X hours in billing period.
It is an indication of the shape of the load profile.
Peak Shaving (Peak Demand Reduction). Reducing the maximum electrical demand in an attempt to
reduce electrical charges. For purposes of this standard the method of peak shaving shall be restricted to
the use of on-site generation. Since the economic feasibility of peak saving is dependent on the applicable
utility rate schedule as well as the load profile, it is important to have an understanding of the various
factors which relate to these rates:
Service Charge. This charge is assessed as a flat rate for connection to the utility grid. It is intended to
cover cost of metering, facilities charges and consumables such as magnetic recording tape, etc. This
charge will range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars depending upon the utility company and the rate
schedule applied.

4. RATINGS
Ratings of the peak shaving system generally refer to the capacity of the total system. For example, the
rating may refer to the KW or amperage of the load to be shaved or the standby or continuous duty rating
of the generator set.

5. CLASSIFICATION
5.1

Load Transfer. This method involves the transfer of specific building loads from utility source to
the generator set(s). In this type of system, the generator sets are always kept isolated from the
utility source.

5.2

Parallel Operation. This method involves operation of the on-site generator set or sets in parallel
with the utility grid. The amount of power is regulated by the system controls.

6. APPLICATION DATA
For the Load Transfer mode of operation, standard generator set designs may be applied with the addition
of a start/stop control to manually or automatically start up or shut down the generator. Automatic control
equipment may be selected to start or stop based on load demand, time of day (for load peaks that occur
regularly), or other indications.
For Parallel Mode refer to EGSA Standard 100D.

7. MINIMUM PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

The required control equipment will be a function of the method utilized as well as system design. In
general, minimum performance specifications will be the same as when specifying equipment for use in
standby or emergency systems. Refer to Paragraph 2.
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8. OPTIONAL PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

8.1

Automatic Transfer Switches. The Automatic Transfer Switch to be utilized for peak shaving may
or may not be used for emergency transfer as well. In case of a normal source outage when in the
peak shaving mode, any non-emergency loads, which might result in generator overloading, must be
shed immediately, allowing the emergency load to be transferred and connected. In the case of a
multiple generator set installation, the shed loads may be reconnected when sufficient generating
capacity is available.

8.2

Parallel Operation. Systems which operate in parallel with the utility require special
considerations. Refer to EGSA Standard 100D.

9. INSTALLATION
Installation of the system shall be in accordance with all applicable codes, standards, and practices for the
equipment involved.

10. MAINTENANCE
A regularly scheduled maintenance and testing program should be established and followed to reduce or
eliminate unscheduled downtime. The program should include periodic tightening of connections, dust and
dirt removal, and thorough inspection.
std100p.doc

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